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3511

Universal power adapter (power supply) for all Dell products

3511 points posted to Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Laptop Power by rguptaos-dyndns 02/19/07

How many of us have to buy multiple “AC / DC Adapter or power bricks” for each of electronic devices and laptops? I have power supply adapter for home, office and travel bag… about 2-3 of these for my laptop, cell phone and external hard disk or other devices I use.

I have background in electrical engineering and I know technically it is possible to use the same power supply / adapter unit with some intelligence built in to power up cell phones, hard-disk, laptops, speakers, mp3 players etc. I also understand that the accessories are one of the most profitable business aspects for electronic companies like Sony and Dell.

Dell wants to be the leader and differentiator? Well...

>> How about a smart universal power adaptor for all DELL products that intelligently recognizes the product and supplies the appropriate power.
One power supply and connector for all products!!!

I know technically it is possible – I did design this and did work on the patent application but, did not file because I got focused on some other activities. I am pretty sure there are enough smart engineers at Dell to design this. If you want a head start contact me for details.

teotwawki
02/21/07		 I'm certain that some folks, possibly including a Gadget magazine and some large companies, started work on this some time ago for all gadgets world wide.
It would be *VERY* important for Dell to comply with whatever work has already been done. After all, Dell can steer the industry.
thirty2bit
02/24/07		 It's not hard to decide upon a voltage and amperage standard for laptop power supplies that will be future-proof. Sounds good to me.
chris-at
02/27/07		 This is a very good idea but it would be even better if Dell developed (adopted?) an INTERNATIONAL STANDARD that would allow to plug in any device (e.g. from iPods to TVs).
phubert
02/27/07		 International standardization is a great idea, but, as with so many other things, "standards" are everywhere. The biggest problem is that there are too many different "standards" for the SAME THINGS. How about ODF for DATA! :-)

Dell might well have SOME say in the matter, but it's hardly something they could accomplish alone.
videonewbee
03/02/07		 Great idea. hope they contact you.
loys
03/14/07		 I think Dell should do much more => universal power cord for all laptops of all PC supplier.
Dell could initiate a standardization.
See : http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/63328/Universal_power_cord_for_all_lapt...
fdenger
05/01/07		 I can see how dell offers a 65W and 90W ac adapters, and i see the reason. But they have the same connectors on the D Series latitudes.

However, it is literally ridiculous to have DIFFERENT incompatible adapters. If you want to make one with a lower wattage that is fine, and that supply works on laptops up to a certain draw.. but its just plain silly to have different shaped and different pinned power adapters. At the end of the day, all the motherboards out there use the same voltages and the only differences are how many watts it needs. Dell, and the rest of the laptop industry, are WAY worse than the cellphone industry on this point.
dcarrol
05/02/07		 the accessory market is very profitable business and all companies want to exploit this at expense of customer as much as possible.
beaufils
05/05/07		 This idea would be even more great with an Apple-like magnet connector.
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